As someone who photographs and markets homes for a living, working one on one with Realtors has certainly shed some light on what helps sell a home- PREPARATION.
Before you put your home on the market there are some things you can do to differentiate your house from the others.
Your first concern is the home's exterior. If the outside, or "curb appeal," looks good people will more than likely want to see what's on the inside. Keep the lawn and landscape nicely manicured. Trim the bushes and, season permitting, plant some flowers. Be sure your front door area has a "Welcome" feeling. A fresh coat of paint on the front door looks great.
Of all the rooms inside your home pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. They should look as modern, bright, and fresh as possible. It is essential for them to be clean and odor free. A fresh coat of paint just may do the trick. Have any leaky faucets taken care of. A call to a plumber is a wise investment.
Since you want your home to look as spacious as possible remove any excess or very large furniture. Make sure that table tops, dressers, and closets are free of clutter. Don't use your garage, attic, or basement to store unused items because these areas also need to give the impression of being spacious. Instead, put the unused and bulky items into storage. Make sure walls and doors are free of smudges, and look for anything that might indicate a maintenance problem such as cracked windows, holes in the walls, or stained ceilings.
Quick tips for realtor showings
• Keep counter tops cleared
• Replace all burned out light bulbs (this is HUGE!)
• Open all drapes and window blinds
• Put pets in cages or take them to a neighbor
• No dirty dishes in the sink
• No laundry in the washer/dryer
• Clean or replace dirty or worn carpets
• Put on soft music
• The fireplace should be clean
Always look at your home from the buyer's point of view. Be objective and be honest.
Before you put your home on the market, there are some things you can do to differentiate your house among the competitors.
For more tips on preparing your home for sale and finding top area Realtors contact Janet McReynolds at janet.mcreynolds@sbcglobal.net or give me a call at 214-551-5015. I would love to connect you with the perfect Realtor to guide you through the process.